Crazy Horse National Monument
Crazy Horse National Monument is a memorial located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Dedicated to the life and legacy of the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. It is a place of great significance to the Lakota people. It serves as a symbol of their struggle for self-determination and sovereignty.
History
The idea for the monument was first proposed in 1939 by Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear. He asked sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to create a memorial to Crazy Horse. Ziolkowski, who had worked on Mount Rushmore with Gutzon Borglum, agreed to the project and began work in 1948. The project was entirely funded by private donations and has been ongoing for over 70 years. It is estimated that the monument is only about 10% complete, with much work still to be done.
Design and Features
The centerpiece of the monument is a massive carving of Crazy Horse on horseback. It’s being chiseled out of a mountain using dynamite and hand tools. The finished carving will be 641 feet wide and 563 feet high, making it the largest sculpture in the world. The monument also includes a visitor center with exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Lakota people.
The monument’s location in the Black Hills is significant, as it is considered sacred land to the Lakota people. The Black Hills were promised to the Lakota in the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868, but were taken by the United States government in 1877. The monument serves as a reminder of the Lakota’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and their connection to their ancestral lands.
Conclusion
Crazy Horse National Monument is an awe-inspiring tribute to the life and legacy of a great Lakota warrior. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Lakota people. The monument is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Native American peoples of the United States.
It is open year-round, with admission fees charged per person or per car. Visitors can take a bus tour to get a closer look at the carving and learn about the history of the monument. Or you can explore the museum exhibits on their own. The monument also hosts events throughout the year, such as the annual Night Blast, which features a fireworks display over the monument.
Getting There
Crazy Horse is in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota in the United States. The entrance along US Highway 16/385 (the Crazy Horse Memorial Highway) is 9 miles south of Hill City, SD and 4 miles north of Custer, SD. Crazy Horse is 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The most common airport used for visiting Crazy Horse National Monument is Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP), and is a smaller airport but closest to the monument.
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